Purdue is moving forward with the preparation of a plan that would unify the
administration of the university’s two northwest Indiana campuses.

The effort stems from a joint proposal by chancellors Thomas Keon of Purdue
University Calumet and James Dworkin of Purdue University North Central to
collaborate on a detailed implementation plan for presentation later this
year. The plan will preserve the two existing campuses, which are only 35
miles apart, but administrative and academic oversight functions would be
consolidated into one central office.

"The chancellors’ joint proposal reflects Purdue’s continued emphasis on
administrative cost savings to promote student affordability and
accessibility,” said Thomas Spurgeon, chair of Purdue’s Board of Trustees.
“We appreciate the initiative and the creativity of our two excellent
chancellors in bringing this idea forward. The funds liberated by
eliminating duplication and combining purchasing power can be reinvested in
new faculty and stronger academic programs. Purdue is proud of these two
campuses, and we believe they can serve an even greater future role in the
economic and cultural life of their region.”

Dworkin said, “Both campuses already have many strengths, but by working
together closely we will be able to create an even stronger presence in the
many communities which we serve. In the final analysis, we will be better
able to serve our students, which should always be our highest priority.”

“Northwest Indiana is ready for a more enriched Purdue University with
strong academic programs, strong faculty and quality students to enhance the
community and economic development,” he said. “By investing administrative
costs in faculty, students and programs, we can build an ‘expanded’ vision
of educational excellence for the region that will endure for years.”